12" Glowing Purple Lantern

In China, as in many places around the world, purple was long considered an imperial color. It reflected spiritual awareness and strength. Purple was associated with Polaris, the North Star, where the Chinese believed the Celestial Emperor lived.

Product Description

In China, as in many places around the world, purple was long considered an imperial color. It reflected spiritual awareness and strength. Purple was associated with Polaris, the North Star, where the Chinese believed the Celestial Emperor, ruler of the heavens, lived in a great palace with his entire court. The Celestial Emperor, according to legend, maintained harmony on earth and heaven. He was responsible for the universe continuing as it was, and governments on earth only lasted as long as they maintained the harmony that the Celestial Emperor decreed. If human rulers acted badly and unjustly, they were said to have "lost the mandate of Heaven," and their governments would fall. Because of the association between purple and the Celestial Emperor, the palace of the Chinese emperors in Beijing was called the "purple Forbidden City," and only the emperor and his court were allowed to enter. To show this, all the walls in the Forbidden City were painted purple, and only the emperor was allowed to use purple ink. In 1911, the last Emperor of China lost the "mandate of heaven," was overthrown, and a new republic was declared. Enjoy the imperial color this summer and let some of our beautiful and textural paper lanterns light up your next special occasion. They are the perfect accent for both inside and outside decorating, and will add a romantic touch to your motif.

Additional Info

Dimensions

14" Height x 12" Diameter

Material

Paper

Shipping

All glowing Asian lanterns ship the same or next business day via 2-day priority mail or UPS ground to the U.S. and Canada. For expedited shipping please contact us for a rate. glowing Asian lanterns can ship internationally and are sent with 7-10 day express air mail.

Shipping cost within the U.S.: $3.37

A rate outside the U.S. can be found during checkout.

* A minimum per order shipping rate of $6.95 may apply.

Return Policy

30-day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not satisfied with this product it may be returned to us within 30 days for a full refund of the product price. Please contact us for return instructions.